Kiwi the Flightless Bird: & The Teaching of Acceptance By Chris Allen

 

"Sometimes the things that make us different are the things that make us special."

Kiwi, a children's book set in New Zealand, tells the heartwarming story of a young kiwi bird who struggles with feelings of sadness & isolation due to his inability to fly like his avian peers. The protagonist, Kiwi, once a happy & content bird, starts feeling different & left out when his friends share tales of their aerial adventures and migrations.

The story takes a turn when Mrs. Weewa, a wise old owl and the new school teacher, notices Kiwi's sadness. Through her gentle guidance, she helps Kiwi understand that his inability to fly is not the problem; rather, it is his lack of acceptance of this reality that causes his sorrow. Mrs. Weewa introduces Kiwi to the concept of gratitude and acceptance, teaching him to appreciate his unique abilities & the beauty of the world from his perspective on the ground.

As Kiwi learns to embrace his differences, he finds happiness within himself & gains a newfound appreciation for his surroundings. The story culminates in a touching moment where Kiwi's friends choose to walk home with him, highlighting themes of friendship and acceptance.

It is a beautifully illustrated book that delicately handles themes of self-acceptance, gratitude & the importance of embracing one's unique qualities, making it a valuable read for children and parents alike.

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Reasons Why Children Should Read Kiwi- 

1. Teaches children the importance of accepting themselves as they are.

2. Encourages practicing gratitude and appreciating one's unique abilities.

3. Highlights the value of friendship and inclusion.

4. Shows how to handle feelings of sadness and isolation.

5. Provides a relatable character that faces common childhood challenges.

6. Beautiful illustrations enhance the storytelling experience. 

7. Promotes empathy by showing how different characters deal with their emotions.

8. Offers a positive message about turning perceived weaknesses into strengths.

9. Engages children with a compelling story and memorable characters.